The Worm-like Lizards 



As the three genera are so closely allied, but one species 

 is described. The brief key, preceding, together with the follow- 

 ing details and illustrations, should enable the student to readily 

 identify the three representatives of the family. 



THE TWO-FOOTED WORM LIZARD 



Bipes caniculatus, (Lacepede) 



Stout, and much like a very large earthworm in size and 

 form. The head and tail are blunt and much the same in out- 

 line. The mouth is very small. On the top of the head and on 

 the chin are numerous and symmetrically arranged scales or 

 plates. The remainder of the body, as well as the tail is covered 

 with narrow, shining rings, which are so lined as to be divided 

 into minute squares. Buried under the skin and transluscent 

 scales of the head, the eyes may be faintly seen as obscure dots. 

 They are practically of no use to the creature. 



A short distance behind the head is a pair of small, though 

 well-developed limbs which are very flat, and terminate in four 

 well-formed toes; these are provided with moderately long and 

 very sharp claws. There is a fifth and smaller toe, the same 

 clawless. 



The tail is about three times the length of the head. 



Colouration. Above (just half the circumference of the 

 body) dull, purplish brown. The lower half is yellowish-white. 



Dimensions. The measurements given are from a specimen 

 taken near the City of Mexico. 



Total Length 9 inches. 



Length of Tail i \ 



Greatest Diameter f 



Length of Limbs T 5 g- " 



Dimensions. This species is confined to Mexico, astis the 

 allied species known technically as Hemichirotes tridactylus, 

 which has a very short tail but little longer than the head. 

 The third species of the family, Euchirotes biporus, appears to 

 be restricted to Lower California, where it is recorded from La 

 Paz. 



Habits. Beyond the fact that these creatures burrow in 

 soft soil, feeding upon worms and insects, their habits are un- 

 known. 



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